As police officers, no matter how
much we would like, we may never honor a picket line. Most
understand that the nature of our job prohibits this.

In the fall of 2004, the Democratic
National Convention was to be held in Boston, Massachusetts.

At the same time, Boston police
were neck deep in a nasty contract dispute with the city. The
officers’ union brought their masses to the sidewalks in front of
the Fleet Center during the preparations for the convention to
bring more attention to their plight. A surprising and
unexpected result occurred.

Most of the unions involved in the
construction inside the arena refused to cross the picket line of
blue.

Think about that.

As law officers, we will never,
ever, be able to return this gesture, but these guys did it
anyway.

As if that wasn't enough, many of
the electricians, teamsters, carpenters, firefighters, and other
service personnel actually dropped their tools and joined the
picket line.

Un-friggin-believable!

Maybe it’s just me, but I was blown
away by such stand-up solidarity.

Fast forward to today.

Surrounding a 55-gallon, drum-sized
garbage can with flames peaking out, morale remains as high as it
could be for a group clothed in layers to fight the January sting.
The stack of firewood next to them, almost two cords, is an
unfortunate sign that they expect to be there for the long haul.

“They” are the members of five
local unions that comprise the International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers, or IBEW, representing linemen, technicians,
clerks, mechanics, operators, and other employees of JCP&L, and
they are on strike.

The issue? What else, health
benefits.

“[The company] insists it is
necessary to raise the cost of health care for future retirees by
400 percent, and possibly to 2,500 percent, before eliminating
retiree health care coverage completely” according to one account.

Bottom line, these men and women
are now without a paycheck and have been for six weeks.

At best, their Christmases were
seriously diminished and New Years Eve was spent at home.

Macaroni and cheese, soup, pasta,
and baloney have certainly become more prevalent on their grocery
lists, and the heat is turned down a few more degrees each
evening.

Once again, this war has been waged
against the little guy.

The parent-company of JCP&L,
FirstEnergy, apparently needs to reduce overhead.

After all, according to their
website, “Total revenues for the third quarter of 2004 were $3.5
billion, up from $3.4 billion in 2003.”

Oh, and their late CEO made
4,052,399.00 in 2003.

We could go on with stats and
figures, but you know the drill.

Today, some 1,350 JCP&L workers
take turns manning the various strike locations, most of which run
24 hours a day. Some of them work extra strike duty for a wage
less than what most high school students make at their part-time
jobs.

The have no choice. They need the
money.

Others have, with their union’s
blessing, temporarily migrated to other parts of the country for
work. Kids need to eat.

In Ohio and Pennsylvania, even more
employees of this "company" are preparing for a possible strike
for the same reason.

As law officers, we will never know
the uncertainness and terror of being on strike. Statute forbids
law enforcement officers from striking.

One of the JCP&L strike locations
is in our town. We pass them at the beginning of each shift
when in route to our secret coffee spot. After we get the patrol
cars all lined up next to each other, the conversation usually
begins, “Did you see those guys on the way up?”

Last month, after talking of their
situation one night, our squad all chipped in and bought them
dinner. The next day a Christmas wreath was delivered to our
headquarters. Guess who sent it.

I don’t know where we’re really
going with this editorial. I initially began writing it
about three weeks ago after seeing these guys standing in the cold
every day.

Okay, how about this.

Next time you pass one of these
strike zones, sneak a wave.

Give a quick flash of your
emergency rights, hit them with your spot light, or pop your air
horn.

Their brothers in Boston honored
our brothers in Boston. It’s the least we can do for them.

In the coming months, things are
going to get a lot harder for these men and women. Most planned
financially for the strike, but, really, how long you go without
work? If the strike does continue, they are going to
experience repossessions, foreclosures and other similar fates
within their ranks.

Our PBA and FOP locals do a lot of
good across the state for numerous worthy causes.

I can’t think of too many more
important causes than helping unemployed working men and women and
their families during times terrifying to them. Even just a couple
of pizzas would help their morale and put something positive in
their lives.

Bring it up and your next monthly
meeting, and if you can do more, by all means, do so. Please
share your thoughts below.

NJLawman.com

Use
the scroll box belowto share your opinions.

Your
Views

January 31, 2005

"Thank you" is the most insufficient of
expressions for the type of support you've given.

-Wes and Linda Opdyke
-Berkeley Line Dept.

January 31, 2005

Great write up, thanks for the support of our
Brothers in this time of need. Soon to face the same fate with Pepco
Holdings Inc. in Delaware. I'm sure, and hope we get the kind of
support that you have shown here.

-Proud Member IBEW Local Union 1238

January 31, 2005

Thanks for all your support. It is truly
appreciated by all the men and women of JCP&L IBEW members. Thanks again
for your kind words.

-Anonymous

January 26, 2005

Most of us realize what is at stake, but it is
heartwarming to know others appreciate and respect our stance. The
Working Class should be the heart and soul of this country. Unity and
Brotherhood are very important-Thank you for yours.

-Kathi and Chris Dundon
-IBEW Local 1289
-Berkeley Line Dept.

January 26, 2005

I am a lineman on strike and just wanted to thank
you for your thoughts and words.

-Bill Perry
-Jackson, New Jersey

January 26, 2005

Thank you so much for this editorial. Both my
father (30+ years) and my brother are walking the picket line against
JCP&L. They need all the support they can get, so do as the article
says, beep, flash those lights, yell encouragement, stop by with some
donuts, anything. As a fellow union member (CWA), I have also been
there.

Thanks again for the article.

-Anonymous

January 26, 2005

An awesome article without a doubt.

It hits home and has all the weight in the world.
We just have to offer and make small contributions.

-Anonymous

January 25, 2005

Thank you for your kind words and much needed
support. I am going to print your editorial and bring it with me to the
Flemington picket line. We notice and appreciate the kind gestures
given to us!

First Energy has tried to break us with their
arrogance and greed. I am proud to be part of a union that has the
courage to fight back!

Thanks, again, for your kind words of support!

-Anonymous

January 25, 2005

Thank you for your kind words and support! I will
print your editorial and bring it with me to the Flemington picket line
for all to read. Many thanks to the men and women in the Police
Departments. We do notice your gestures of support as you drive by and
it is much appreciated.

First Energy top management doesn't get the
concept of respect and kindness to each other, to those that work for
them, or to the community. How very sad. It will be their never ending
greed that eventually (with all this exposure - hopefully soon) brings
them down.

-Anonymous

January 25, 2005

I cannot find the right words to express my thanks
to you for your support and kindness. I almost cried reading your
message. My husband has worked for JCP&L for 20 years. He is now
working a job in between his strike duty for a little over minimum wage
to put food on the table. I pray he and all the others still have jobs
when this is all over. Thank you sooooooooooooo much again and please
keep all 1350 striking IBEW workers and their families in your prayers.

God Bless You.....

-Wife of JCP&L employee
-Local 1289

January 24, 2005

Thank You for your support. Most of our members
know or have friends in blue because we are your friends and neighbors
and we appreciate the difficulties of your job. We will continue
to fight the fight and will appreciate any assistance you can give us no
matter how small even the flashing of lights as you pass helps us to
keep our resolve to fight for what we believe to be a serious violation
of human dignity and rights. Thank you again.

-Chubby Wardell

January 24, 2005

I can remember back in 1980, I was a Philadelphia.
police officer and Mayor Bill Green was just elected. His first move as
mayor was to lay off 200 Police officers the first time in city history)
in his feeble attempt to cut the budget he didn't cut his inflated
administration). There was a huge rally around city hall in protest.
Hundreds of union workers from the trades and services were in
attendance to show support on their own time. I will never forget this.
Eventually those Officers were hired back.Thanks in large part to this
show of support.

These workers are increasingly being asked to pay
more out of their pockets for medical and are competing against the
shipping of manufacturing over seas to third world countries like China
where workers earn $100. a month for fourteen hour days, six days a
week, so greedy companies can pocket all the profits. We need to support
these brothers and sisters any way we can. Buy American whenever
possible.

-Dan McNeill
-NJDOC Senior Corrections
Officer

January 24, 2005

Thank you for your much needed support. It's good
to know others stand behind us...unlike the ROXBURY FIRE DEPT. who
refuse to allow us to keep a 55 gal. drum (with safety lid) lit for
warmth. It seems the fire marshal who made us put it out had given a
presentation to JCP&L employees previously at the company's
request.......Hmmmmmmmmmm.

-IBEW 327

January 24, 2005

As a member of a local that is currently in
not-so-encouraging negotiations with one of the big ones.... I like
extra cheese ; ) Don't lower the bar, we are behind you all the way IBEW
sisters & brothers..... I don't want to go on welfare in order to afford
doctors & medicine

-Anonymous

January 24, 2005

Thank you very much, these sentiments keep our
spirits up.

-Anonymous

January 23, 2005

Thank you for your support and kind words. As I
was reading this I had tears in my eyes. My husband has worked for
JCP&L for 24 years and to see how this company has treated its employees
over the past two years is unbelievable. No person should be treated
this way - I thought we were a free AMERICA. Thanks again for your kind
words and support it means a lot. Stay strong!!

-Wife of a JCP&L employee
-Local 1303

January 23, 2005

Thanks for the kind words and support. I'm going
to print this out and bring it down to Ridgedale Ave. on Tuesday to show
everyone how great you guys really are.

-Anonymous

January 23, 2005

Thank you ..you could support us by REFUSING to
work non emergency traffic control. It shuts the job down ...

-Lakewood IBEW

January 23, 2005

Thanks for the support!!!! you may not realize how
much of a positive impact this article had both for myself and my
family.

After 21 years of service with JCP&L I'm afraid my
career is in great danger. I'm scared but couldn't be more proud
of the stance we have taken so proud to be part of this great union.

-Anonymous

January 22, 2005

Thank you.

-Gary Dobrinsky
-President IBEW Local
1298
-Morristown NJ

January 22, 2005

Every kind gesture is appreciated more than you
can imagine. Thanks for your support! Sure is cold out there but better
than giving in. I had an officer let me slide on a ticket with a company
vehicle. He was nice enough to say "We cover his back in storms and he
was glad to repay a favor" He told me he appreciated all we did for them
and know we all put up with a lot. I told him we would be there for them
also! My family is mostly blue. Actually brown.. Pa. State Police.

Made my day.

-Picketline MGO.
-Local 1298

January 22, 2005

I am in the local 1289, all I can say is thank you
from the bottom of my heart its not easy I'm 4 months pregnant money is
low but my resolve is not and its because of wonderful people who care
just like you so thank you for your wonderful words and kindness.

-Anonymous

January 22, 2005

Great article. When I was younger, and I would
drive by a picket line, I used to thing to myself, "why don't they just
go back to work?" This editorial has really made me regret ever
thinking those thoughts...

To all of the workers on strike...."keep your
heads up...we support you!"

-Anonymous

January 22, 2005

Thanks for the supportive words. We are in this
for the long haul and we stand strong and united. I am proud to count
the men in blue as some of those who have our back, as we battle the
greedy corporation. You are welcome to visit our warming barrel anytime.

-Ed Roncin
-Local 1289
-Lakewood Squankum

January 22, 2005

I thank you all most kindly. Continue to keeps us
in your thoughts and prayers especially now. Striking employees are now
faced with out of state workers coming in to turn off our power. That
is courtesy of First Energy.

-Gratefully yours,
-Nancy Adams
-Local 1309

January 22, 2005

Thanks to everyone in blue for your kind words.
Keep up the good work.

-Rafael Santiago
-1303 Union Beach Line

January 22, 2005

Thank You for the support.

One of the biggest problems we have right now is
that management is not following the LAW . They are working in excess of
70 hours a week. CDL requires a rest period of 24 hours off the
property. This company thinks they are above the law. WE NEED YOUR HELP
TO ENFORCE THE LAW. They are from out of state and I don't think they
are keeping logs on hours they work. If YOU could pass this on to other
OFFICERS it would be helpful to our cause. They are putting the PUBLIC
in harms way, getting behind the wheel without enough rest, driving a 32
ton vehicle. The Public NEEDS to be protected. Thanks Again.

-JCP&L Lineman
-Local 1303

January 22, 2005

Thanks for all the support from the different
police departments that we see when we are on the Red Bank Line. I have
also walked the picket line in different locations and it is the same
response. It is very sickening to see some of our EX-fellow workers
(who have crossed the line) leave at the end of the day laughing as they
are waiting for the light to turn. But it will be myself and my fellow
brothers and sisters who will have the last laugh. After all, there is
more of us than there are of them. It is not easy on any of us or our
families but because we are sticking together and staying strong, our
fight will be worth it in the end.

I have worked at JCP&L for 27 years and have never
witnessed and been a recipient of such disrespect in all my life.

Again, many thanks to the men and women in the
Police Departments. It is much appreciated to see your support.

-Local 1309
-JCP&L Employee

January 22, 2005

Thanks for the support!

Most if not all police departments have been very
supportive. It's great to read such an uplifting editorial. If there
were more people like you in the world it would be a much better please.
We are determined to stand shoulder to shoulder to the end. Morale is
good we just had a food bank in Wall Township Local 400 IBEW. Parts of
this strike deals with the lack of fair treatment in the work place.
These people First Energy have treated people like we were living in the
1920's. Very nasty and deliberate in how the think nothing to fire
people for the VERY SMALLEST infraction. But before I get side tracked
any further, Thank you!

-UNION A Better Way of Life!

January 21, 2005

What a well thought-out, truthful written
editorial.

As an ex-JCP&L Co. employee from the 60's, and
whose husband has just retired, this situation repels me. This was a
great company to work for, when it was JCP&LCo & NJP&LCo. A company
that took care of their employees who came first above all! There was
no gluttony or greed then. .. My husband kept telling me about First
Energy and I could not comprehend all the repulsive ways that they
treated their own people, their employees. For example, the lineman
with the child receiving chemo, who had to leave the hospital to go in
on a call-out, or he would be suspended; the lineman who was out of
state at his grandmother's funeral, who had to drive right back home for
a call-out or he would be suspended; my husband who was hurt on the job,
but was afraid to report it b/c he would get a “stiff talking to” or
suspension; all the linemen who were called 2 or 3 times on a
night/weekend and had to go in to work or face suspension! This was/is
appalling and unbelievable but it did happen, along with other
atrocities and mayhem. What right did FE have to do this? They had no
right to do this to anyone. We should have ‘evened the score then’,
when FE stepped in and first started this frenzy and sadism, in my
humble opinion! If FE could be that cruel to their own employees, FE
would/could have no trouble in raising the cost of health care for
future retirees by 400 percent, before eliminating retiree health care
coverage completely! This is why my husband had to retire - b/c of
health coverage. How could anyone on JCP&LCo. Pensions afford these
increases in health costs in their retirement? My husband is sick over
the decision to retire - he wanted to work another six years; and, I am
horror-struck, disgusted and heartbroken that the company that I thought
was so great and would take care of their own - has left everyone
broken. .. I applaud the moral fiber of the union men/women - that stay
firm with their decision on their strike vote.

With all my due respect,

-EPL
-Former Local 1309 Shop
Stewart

January 21, 2005

Thank You All..

-Luke Sciallo
-LU.1289 IBEW

January 21, 2005

Thanks for your support. WE will stay strong and
together.

-Anonymous

January 21, 2005

I am one of those freezing out there. This
editorial has given myself and I am sure many others hope. There are
many union workers crossing our lines, and it is very disheartening to
see. We are winning our fight and as of today converted our strike to an
ULP strike. We will win. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, and your
brothers and sisters for your support.

-Anonymous

January 21, 2005

As one of the striking workers, I just want to say
Thank You. I do not believe that I am "On the line" where you are...but
some of the "locals" that pass by my line are doing exactly what you
have said. They are sneaking a wave...tooting the horn. It is much
appreciated.

-In Solidarity
-A JCP&L Employee

January 21, 2005

Dear Officer,

Thank you for showing you care about the linemen &
their families. My husband left for work in another state before
Christmas & is still away. We hope he returns soon. Stay safe out there
patrolling. I will keep you & yours in my prayers.

-Anonymous

January 21, 2005

From a JCP&L striking employee, we appreciate your
thoughts and efforts very much. I have a degree in Criminal Justice and
was a licensed Private Detective in NJ for several years.
Unfortunately, being in retail, I became unemployed through an
acquisition. I'm too old to join law enforcement and there isn't
anything available for me in my field at this time. So I joined JCP&L
in September to work rather then finish collecting my Unemployment
claim. Shortly after joining this union, we went on strike. First
Energy is preventing us from collecting Unemployment Insurance and
believe it or not the State of NJ won't even let me re-open my old claim
from my previous employer even though my claim is still available
through April.

I feel even more for those employees who have
worked for JCP&L for years and years. They paid into UI without ever
collecting a cent. Now that they are truly unemployed by every
definition of the word, they are being denied benefits. High powered
and paid First Energy Attorneys have the ear of our Dept of Labor.

If you want to help us, please contact our local,
state and federal politicians and tell them that we should be able to
collect unemployment insurance. If we were collecting UI benefits,
First Energy would sit down and settle this strike quickly. But for
now, they are trying to break our union and starve us out. Thanks for
your support.

-John Prudhomme
-Local 1289

January 21, 2005

As a member of the striking workers of JCP&L I
thank you from the bottom of my heart.

This letter shows me that we are not alone in this
and that the BOYS IN BLUE care. Thank you again.

-Mike Duda
-Union Beach Line Local
1303

BODY ARMOR

NJLawman.com

Wednesday,
August 4, 2004 12:00 a.m.

In an article covering one of the recent
shootings, it was mentioned that one agency is considering enacting a
policy where patrol officers would be required to wear body armor.

What is troublesome is that such a policy
need be implemented in 2004.

They are bulky, uncomfortable, awkward and
they leave your t-shirt soaked at the end of the shift. They make some
look fat and others hunchback.

But, for Christ’s sake, they stop
bullets!

They also significantly reduce the impact
of other weapons and hands to the chest, they frequently stop edged
weapons, and in numerous instances, they have protected officers’ vital
organs in car accidents.

Also, we may be seeing the reemergence of
unprovoked attacks on LEO’s. Each day in the papers we are reading about
gang-related shootings of officers around the country.

In 2003, 146 officers died nationwide in
the line of duty.

Back in the 70’s when anti-law
enforcement groups flourished (including the one the took the life of
Trooper Werner) the numbers were much higher. Below are the nationwide
line of duty deaths from the early 70’s:

1970 216

1972 225

1974 275

1971 240

1973 261

1975 234

Many of these officers who fell didn't have
access to the body armor we have today, and many didn't have access to
body armor period.

Mandatory vest policies should be in place
for all officers who work the road. Detectives, investigators,
administrators and those in similar positions can have an amended policy
so they are not forced to wear body armor when engaged in non-encounter
duties, but some type of rule should cover them too for when they are
engaged in crime fighting on the road.

We buy our vests for our
Officers and make it mandatory to wear while in uniform....it is the
Officers choice when in plain clothes for administrative duty. We had
an officer shot 14 years ago and he was the only one on duty with a
vest, ever since then we have made it our policy to make it mandatory.
He is alive today and although he can't be a Police Officer he works as
an administrative tech.

-DW

-Tucson, Arizona

August 14, 2004

I'm sorry but I don't agree
with you. I believe it should be the choice of the officer to wear the
vest or not. Of course I believe it should be the choice of the driver if
he wants to wear a seatbelt or not also. I believe too much time is wasted
in so called seatbelt safety checks. I know the what the law says, but I
think that should be left to the road officer to enforce when he makes a
stop. I know I got off the subject, but it's all the same. You should make
the decision.

-Anonymous

August 10, 2004

I agree!! The NJ State Body
Armor Replacement fund is giving out more than 3.4 Million Dollars for new
vests. It should be required that if you use state money you MUST wesr the
vest!!

With these gangs not caring
about officers by going after them and their families. I am wearing my
vest every time I wear my uniform no matter how hot it gets outside. I
rather be a fried chicken then a dead duck!

-Anonymous

August 5, 2004

Our admin loves to run out
of the office when there's a hot call. They'll grab rifles and
shotguns, but not one will take the time to throw on a vest.

-Anonymous

August 5, 2004

Yes, I agree we all should
wear the vest that one day might save our live from the people that are
trying to take ours just for the fun of it.